Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association Week ending 20th June 2021 Cheshire News & Appeals

Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association
Week ending 20th June 2021
Cheshire News & Appeals

Latest Cheshire News

Bosley company director sentenced after admitting health and safety breach
Wood Treatment Limited and its Managing Director, George Boden, have today (Friday 18 June) been
sentenced at Chester Crown Court after pleading guilty to offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act
(HSWA) 1974. Wood Treatment Limited was given a £75,000 fine for breaching HSWA S2, in failing to protect
its employees from the risk of fire and explosion. George Boden, 64, from Stockport, was sentenced to nine
months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also handed a £12,000 fine and banned from being a
company director for four years. He had previously admitted that the health and safety offence against the
company was committed with his consent, connivance or neglect as Managing Director of Wood Treatment
Limited (Health and Safety at Work Act, Section 37). The sentencing was the culmination of a three month
trial involving the company, Director George Boden, Operations Manager Phillip Smith, 58, from
Macclesfield, and Mill Manager Peter Shingler, 56, from Bosley. In April, Justice May ordered the charges of
corporate manslaughter and gross negligence be discontinued and directed the jury to find Phillip Smith and
Peter Shingler, not guilty of any charges. The charges related to a devastating explosion at the mill in the
village on 17 July 2015 in which Derek Moore, 62, Dorothy Bailey, 62, Jason Shingler, 38, and Will Barks, 51,
tragically lost their lives. Others were seriously injured, and the sheer scale and impact of the explosion and
the loss of lives that resulted, devastated the local community. A joint investigation was launched between
Cheshire Constabulary and the Health and Safety Executive, assisted by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
DCI Paul Hughes, who led the police investigation, said: “The incident that day tore the heart out of the local
community and resulted in a long and exhausting journey for those who lost loved ones and also those who
suffered life-changing injuries. Following the incident our teams worked tirelessly to provide an extensive file
of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised the charges and a trial began in January. The
families will never forget what happened that day and while this is not the outcome that they had hoped for I
hope that this will, in some way, help to bring some form of closure for them. We’d ask the media to respect
their privacy as they come to terms with the conclusion of this case.” Sally Nicholson, Head of Operations for
the North West, HSE, said: “Wood Treatment Ltd and its Director failed to ensure the health and safety of
their employees, exposing them on a daily basis to the risk of a wood dust explosion, through lack of
appropriate assessment and control. The company and Mr Boden in his capacity as Managing Director, have
rightly been held to account for these significant failings.”

Man arrested following Macclesfield car theft
Detectives investigating the theft of a car in Macclesfield have arrested a man in
connection with the incident. At 3.49am on Thursday 17 June police were called
to reports that a Red Hyundai Getz had been stolen from outside an address on
Back Paradise Street, Macclesfield. A short time later, at around 10am officers
from Macclesfield Local Policing Unit found the stolen vehicle on Lumley Road. A
22-local man was located nearby by Police Dog Toro and arrested nearby on

suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. The man is currently being questioned by officers in police custody.

Drug dealer in Warrington jailed for four years
A drug dealer who controlled the ‘graft’ phone for an organised crime group (OCG) in
Warrington has been jailed. Thomas Bowler, of Leonard Street, was sentenced to four
years in prison on Friday 11 June at Liverpool Crown Court. The 31-year-old admitted to
possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis.
On Thursday 21 January 2021 a warrant was executed at a property on Nora Street and
Bowler was located by officers in the upstairs bedroom. A number of drug paraphernalia,
money, mobile phones and cocaine were found inside the bedroom and he was arrested.
While detained he told an officer ‘it’s all mine, everything you find belongs to me’. Bowler’s phone was
examined and found to contain a number of messages sent to drug users known as ‘flares’. He had also
made notes in his phone of a list of names followed by money values and the day of the week, hidden under
‘poker list’. Bowler was taken into custody to be questioned and then subsequently charged.
DS Thomas Hall, of Warrington Local Policing Unit’s proactive team said: “Bowler is a well-established drug
dealer and his role within the organised crime group was to be in charge of the customers who were supplied
the drugs. This meant he controlled the graft phone containing all the customer’s details and sent messages
advertising the sale of class A and B drugs. Some of these messages were threatening if money was owed to
him. Bowler also videoed his associates surrounded by drug paraphernalia and bragged about it. The
telecoms evidence against him was strong that he had no choice but to admit to his involvement in the OCG
and he certainly isn’t bragging now he is behind bars.”

Bolton county lines drug dealer jailed for almost four years
A county lines drug dealer from Bolton has been jailed for three years and nine months.
Christopher Cook, of Kylemore Avenue, was spotted by plain clothed officers taking part
in a drug deal in Warrington. The 42-year-old pulled up to an address on Longshaw
Street at around 12pm on Monday 19 September 2019 and handed drugs to a known
local user. The two police officers began to follow the vehicle up to Watkin Street and
called for a marked car to stop the vehicle. This led to Cook being detained on St Peters
Way and a search was made of him and his car. It included a crack pipe being recovered
from his sock along with £400 in cash and cocaine. Hidden within the casing of the handbrake were heroin
and crack cocaine and a mobile phone. Cook was then brought into police custody for questioning before
being charged. On Tuesday 15 June a jury found Cook guilty of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine
and heroin following a two-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court and he was sentenced the following day. DS
Thomas Hall of Warrington Local Policing Unit’s proactive team, said: “Cook was part of an organised crime
group called the AJ team based in Manchester. They ran a network known as a ‘county line’ and would travel
into Warrington to sell drugs to local users. By carrying out patrols and acting on information from within the
community we were able to identify a known drug user and catch Cook in the act and bring him before the
courts.” DS Hall added: “Drugs have a detrimental impact on vulnerable adults, young children and the wider
community. We work really hard to identify and pursue individuals who come into Cheshire thinking they can
take advantage and profit from illegal drug activity. However we can’t do this alone. I would encourage
anyone who believes this to be taking part in their area to report it to police either via 101 or Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

180 drivers fined for not wearing a seatbelt in Cheshire
Cheshire Police have issued 180 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) following a three-week operation targeting
road users not wearing a seatbelt. The operation ran from 24 May to 13 June and officers were out on the
county’s roads looking for anyone not wearing a seatbelt. Inspector for the Constabulary’s Serious and
Complex Collision Investigation Unit, Steve Griffiths, said: “I have no doubt in my mind that road users know
they need to wear a seatbelt, and the reasons why – it’s common sense – but evidently there are still many
drivers and passengers who fail to do so. Not wearing a seatbelt is one of the biggest killers on our roads. By
not wearing one people are increasing their risk of death in a collision - why wouldn’t you spend a few
seconds putting one on? It is important everyone is aware of the huge risks and dangers that come from not
wearing a seatbelt and I hope those road users who received Traffic Offence Reports will think about the
consequences of their actions next time they get behind the wheel.” John Dwyer, Police and Crime
Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “Ensuring Cheshire’s roads are safer is one of my key priorities and during
my term of office, I have ambitious plans to deliver initiatives that reduce the number of deaths and serious
injuries on our roads. Not wearing a seatbelt is incredibly dangerous and is one the main factors in serious or
fatal collisions. I am concerned to see so many people across Cheshire still not wearing a seatbelt, even
though the dangers of doing so are apparent. I am pleased that Cheshire Police carried out this enforcement
activity to educate motorists and help make the county’s roads safer.”

Man jailed for dangerous driving following serious collision on Gawsworth
A Macclesfield man who admitted causing a serious collision which resulted in a 50-year-old man sustaining
life changing injuries has been jailed. Lewis Chalcroft appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 14 June
where he was sentenced to 14 months in prison. The 21-year-old, of London Terrace, Macclesfield, had
earlier pleaded guilty to causing serious injuries by dangerous driving. On the morning of Wednesday 21
October 2020, Chalcroft was driving his black Honda Civic on the A536, Congleton Road in Gawsworth. At
around 6.10am he overtook a silver van and narrowly avoided a head on collision with an oncoming vehicle.
Despite the warning, Chalcroft continued to drive dangerously and, at 6.14am, he overtook a large goods
vehicle. As he did so he collided head on with a blue Mazda 5 which was travelling in the opposite direction.
The driver of the Mazda was trapped in his vehicle for over an hour as a result of the incident and had to be
released by firefighters. He sustained a number of life changing injuries, including fractures to both legs, feet
and ribs. The 50-year-old man from Macclesfield, spent four weeks in hospital, had multiple operations. He is
still recovering from his injuries eight months after the incident. Despite extensive damage to his vehicle,
Chalcroft managed to climb the Honda and escaped with only minor injuries. Following his sentencing Anton
Sullivan, from the force’s Roads & Crime Unit, said: “Driving is a privilege, not a right, and it comes with great
responsibility to act within the rules laid down when you pass your test. In this case, Chalcroft clearly
breached these rules and his driving totally unacceptable. His actions that day resulted in the victim has been
left with life changing injuries and Chalcroft is now paying the price behind bars. I hope that the sentence
handed to Chalcroft will provide some closure to the victim and his family. I also hope it acts as a warning to
others, the rules of the road are there for a reason and they apply to everyone. They are not just there to
protect you but also to protect other motorists.” In addition to his prison sentence Chalcroft was also
disqualified from driving for two years and seven months and ordered to take an extended retest.

Four men arrested for drugs offences following successful stop check near
Northwich
Officers from Cheshire police have arrested four men for drugs offences following a vehicle stop check near
Northwich. At around 2.20pm on Thursday 17 June officers the force’s Roads and Crime Unit stopped an
Audi Q2 near to the A556 in Plumley. A large quantity of what is believed to be crack cocaine was discovered
in the car and all four occupants were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
The men, age 21, 27, 45 and 51, are all being held in police custody where they are being questioned by
officers. The driver of the car, a 45-year-old man, was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving, driving
without a licence and driving without insurance.

House in Warrington seized from man under the Proceeds of Crime Act
The home of a man associated with organised crime in Warrington has been taken from him under the
Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Kyle Goodier used the money he acquired from supplying drugs to buy the
house on Dudley Street in Orford. He also bought numerous designer clothing and items that were seized by
police.

The confiscation order was made by Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit who worked with
Warrington’s Local Policing Unit after Goodier pleaded guilty in November 2020. On Thursday 10 June the
order was granted after the 26-year-old was found to have benefited £84,487.39 from his criminal activity.
He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession with intent to supply cannabis
and perverting the course of justice. Goodier was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18
months at Liverpool Crown Court on 10 November 2020. Shortly before 4pm on Sunday 11 October, Goodier
approached an unmarked police vehicle in a car park on Sharp Street in an attempt to supply the officer with
cannabis. He said ‘are you waiting for me?’ before realising it was a police officer and not a drug customer,
and fled on foot. The officer gave chase and Goodier was detained on Laira Street with bags of cannabis and
a quantity of cash in his possession. While Goodier was in custody a search was made of his home address.
Police found and seized several large bags of cannabis valued at £5,000 along with designer clothing and
other luxury items that were recovered under POCA. Goodier was charged the following day and remanded
in custody. DI Kelly-Ann Cain, from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “There is often a
misconception that our work stops once someone has been dealt with by the courts, however that is not
always the case. If an individual has profited from criminal activity and used the money to lead a lavish
lifestyle then we will confiscate what we can from them and ensure that the money they made is paid back.
This money is put to good use as it goes back into the local community.”

Three charged following investigation into drug supply in Winsford
Three people have been charged following an investigation into drug supply in Winsford. Shane Preece, 43,
of Dart Walk, Winsford was charged with being concerned in supply of Class A drugs, two counts of
possession with intent to supply Class B and two counts of transferring criminal property under the Proceeds
of Crime Act. He was remanded into custody will appear at Chester Magistrates Court today (Thursday 17
June). Carla Preece, 32, of Dart Walk, Winsford was charged with transferring criminal property under the
Proceeds of Crime Act. She was bailed to appear at Chester Magistrates Court today. Jamie Green, 28, of Dee
Way, Winsford was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and two counts possession
with intent to supply Class B drugs and transferring criminal property under Proceeds of Crime Act. He was
bailed to appear at Chester Magistrates Court today. A 20-year-old man from Northwich, who was arrested
on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B, possession of Class B and possession Class A drugs
has since been released under investigation. The charges relate to arrests made on Wednesday 16 June as
part of three warrants conducted in the Winsford and Crewe area in connection with the supply of Class A
and Class B drugs in Winsford.

Widnes Pub closed down following persistent unacceptable behaviour
A pub in Widnes has been closed indefinitely following persistent unacceptable behaviour and covid
breaches. Over recent months Cheshire Constabulary and Halton’s licensing team have received numerous
complaints regarding the Beehive Inn in Halebank Road. There have been multiple reports of disorder,
underage drinking, covid breaches and drug related activity at the premises. The most recent incident took
place on Sunday 30 May when police attending the premises discovered drugs paraphernalia along with a
sledge hammer and a machete. There were also clear covid breaches and the licensee, who was supposed to
be in control of the premises, was himself intoxicated. As a result of all the criminality and obvious licence
and covid breaches, an urgent application was submitted by the Widnes Beat Team to have licensee
removed as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). Following review of the application, and in
collaboration with the Red Oak Taverns, the owners of the premises, the licensee was been served with a
section 51 notice and formally removed as the DPS on Tuesday 15 June. As a result the premises has now
closed indefinitely and will only reopen once a new Designated Premises Supervisor has been identified. CI
Becky Stokes, Head of Widnes Local Policing Unit said: “I welcome the closure of these premises which
demonstrate our commitment in making Cheshire a hostile place for criminals. I hope that this result provides
reassurance to the local community and serves as a warning to those who have a significant detrimental
impact on the quality of life of local residents through illegal and anti-social behaviour. The behaviour of both
the licensee and the people visiting the premises has been totally unacceptable and I have no doubt that the
closure will make a real difference to the local community. This has been a fantastic team effort and I would
like to thank all of the officers involved in the closure, along with the brewery and local community for all the
support that they have provided.”

Two closure orders granted in Warrington
A convenience store in Warrington has been closed for three months following
concerns it was supplying alcohol to young children. Best One, on Louchers Lane
in Latchford, also received reports to police of anti-social behaviour and disorder.

Officers imposed a 48-hour closure notice on the store on Monday 14 June 2021.
A full closure of the premises was successfully granted at Warrington Magistrates
Court today, Wednesday 16 June. Sergeant Mark Spaven, of Warrington Local
Policing Unit, said: “Best One had been of huge concern to members of the public,
in particular a number of parents who believed employees at the store were
selling alcohol to their children. They did the right thing by reporting this to both police and partner agencies
who then worked together. We made numerous attempts to engage and provide support to the owners of
the store in a bid to prevent this from taking place and to protect young children and the local community.
However despite our best efforts, staff continued to serve under age youths, the anti-social behaviour and
disorder continued and we had no choice but to apply for the shop to be closed.” In a separate case, officers
in Warrington have successfully obtained a closure order for a property on Leicester Street. The order was
granted at Warrington Magistrates Court on Wednesday 16 June. It followed reports made against the
occupant of the house for anti-social behaviour both inside and outside the property during the day and
night. Sergeant Spaven added: “The behaviour of the occupant was causing the local community alarm and
distress and had been doing so for a sustained period of time and showed no signs of abating. No one should
have to put up with that. We want every resident to be able to live in their home without having to suffer
from the effects of unacceptable issues stemming from neighbouring properties and we will take action when
necessary.” Officers will regularly check the convenience store and property over the next three months to
ensure that the order is not breached. To report incidents of concern in your community please call Cheshire
Constabulary on 101 or report online via www.cheshire.police.uk

Two men jailed following armed robbery in Warrington
Two men have been jailed for committing an armed robbery at a shop in Warrington town centre. David Holt
and Simon Baker, both of O’Leary Street in Warrington, stole a quantity of cash and a mobile phone from a
Cash Generator store in Bridge Street. They went into the shop together at around 11am on Monday 19
October. Both were wearing face coverings. Holt, 45, was armed with a kitchen knife. He pointed it at people
working at the store and demanded cash from the safe and the till. Baker, 51, stayed by the door preventing
anyone from entering or leaving the shop. After being given money from the till by one of the store’s
workers and stealing an iPhone that was being prepared for sale, Holt headed towards the door. He and
Baker then left the store before fleeing the area in a Volkswagen Beetle that was parked nearby. The police
were called and officers managed to locate the offenders at Holt’s flat around half-an-hour after the pair had
committed the robbery. A town centre CCTV operator played a key role in that, by finding footage of the
pair’s getaway and giving officers details of the car they fled in. It was parked outside Baker’s flat. He and
Holt were inside the premises. They were wearing the same clothing that they had on when they committed
the robbery, and cash they stole from the store was on the floor at the flat and in Baker’s trouser pocket.
The mobile phone they stole was also in the flat, behind a sofa that Holt was sat on. Officers saw him throw
it there in an attempt to hide it. Also in the flat was the kitchen knife that Holt was armed with during the
robbery and the keys to the VW Beetle. Officers used the keys to open the car, which contained the stolen
mobile phone’s cover. Holt and Baker were both arrested at the flat and taken into custody to be
interviewed. Holt admitted the role he played in the robbery when he was questioned by officers, expressing
remorse for his actions and claiming that he acted in desperation for money to buy drugs. He was
subsequently charged with robbery and possession of a knife in a public place and pleaded guilty to both
offences at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 20 October. Baker denied being involved in the incident. He
was charged with robbery and was found guilty of the offence at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 12 April,
following a three-day trial. The pair returned to the court to be sentenced on Wednesday 16 June. Holt was

jailed for four years and Baker was handed a seven-year prison sentence, plus three years on extended
licence. DC Jill Peggs, who led the investigation at Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “David Holt and
Simon Baker worked together to commit the armed robbery. As a result of their actions, the people who were
inside the store that day were subjected to a terrifying ordeal. Holt pointed the kitchen knife he was armed
with at members of staff whilst demanding cash. The incident understandably left them extremely shaken up.
Thankfully, with the help of a town centre CCTV operator, we were able to locate Holt and Baker around half-
an-hour after they had committed the robbery. We caught them red-handed and were able to recover the
cash and the mobile phone that they stole. I hope the fact the pair have now been jailed gives those who
were in the store during the robbery some closure and provides reassurance to the Warrington community.
With Holt blaming his actions on an addiction to drugs, this case highlights the fact that illegal drugs blight
our communities, causing untold damage to both those who use them and the wider society who suffer from
the resulting crime. Hopefully this case will deter others from using illegal drugs and committing such
offences.” CI Sarah Heath, Cheshire Constabulary’s knife crime lead, added: “We are committed to doing all
we can to tackle knife crime. We will respond robustly to any knife related incidents and do all we can to
ensure that anyone found to be carrying a knife or committing a knife related offence is brought to justice.
Members of the public also have a vital role to play in our fight against knife crime by giving us information
about crimes involving knives and those who carry weapons.” To report any type of crime involving weapons
call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be passed to the force
online via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555
111.

Man jailed following serious collision near Crewe
A man who caused a serious collision near Crewe has been jailed. Dawid Dybich appeared at Chester Crown
Court on Friday 11 June where he was sentenced to 27 months in prison for causing serious injury by
dangerous driving. He was also sentenced to nine months – to run concurrently – for making a false
statement in order to obtain a driving licence. The 26-year-old, of Tollitt Street, Crewe, had earlier pleaded
guilty to both offences. Shortly before 6.30pm on Friday 12 February, Dybich’s silver Renault van collided
head on with a white Fiat Punto on the A500 near Crewe, after veering onto the wrong side of the road.
 The driver of the Punto, a 54-year-old woman from Crewe, sustained life-changing injuries including a
fractured pelvis, spine and legs. She has already undergone a number of operations and is still recovering her
injuries. Dybich was uninjured as a result of the incident. During their enquiries officers discovered that
Dybich was diabetic and insulin dependent, but had failed to notify the DVLA of his condition, when applying
for his HGV licence. Shortly before the collision he started to feel unwell, and decided to pull over to a
garage to purchase some snacks to help his sugar levels. However, rather than wait at the garage to ensure it
was safe to drive, he got back into his van and drove towards Crewe. A short time later he suffered a
hyperglycaemic attack which affected his driving and resulted in him colliding with the victim’s car. Following
the sentencing, Police Constable Geraint Williams, from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“Dybich was well aware of his condition and he knew the risks. But rather than manage his condition properly
and notify the DVLA, he chose to put the lives of innocent members of the public at risk. As a result of the
actions Dybich took that day, the victim has been left with serious injuries, which will affect her for the rest of
her life, and he is now paying the price behind bars. This is a tragic case and if anything can be learned from
it I hope it acts as a warning to others that the rules of the road are there for a reason and they apply to
everyone. They are not just there to protect you but also to protect other motorists.” In addition to his prison
sentence Dybich was also banned from driving for three and a half years and ordered to take an extended
retest.

Final two members of county lines gang responsible for supplying Class A drugs in
Macclesfield jailed
The final members of a county lines gang responsible for supplying
crack cocaine and heroin from Liverpool to Macclesfield have been
jailed for a combined total of more than 34 years. Two members of
the ‘Mitch’ gang (Ammin Hassan and Edson Pereira) were sentenced
on 11 June at Chester Crown Court, following on from the four who
were sentenced on 14 December 2020. Between July 2019 and July
2020, Jamal Conteh, Zakaria Ahmed and Hassan worked as a team
with no hierarchy, using two graft mobile phones during the 12-
month operation. The first graft phone was activated on 16 July 2019
when Conteh and Hassan travelled to Macclesfield to develop the
line, sending various ‘flare’ messages to vulnerable users in the town. Conteh even recruited three youths
from Northamptonshire to assist with their drug dealing operation. Hassan and Ahmed took turns in
managing the graft phone in Liverpool while Conteh spent his time in Macclesfield, dabbling in street dealing
when he felt like it. When Conteh wanted to ‘sit off’ he would order Edson Pereira, Oluwafemi Odumuyiwa
and Cheryl Hamand to do it on his behalf. In a bid to step up the operation, Odumuyiwa began hiring
vehicles and chauffeured Conteh to deals while even couriering their commodity from Merseyside into
Cheshire. Hamand would allow the gang to operate from her property the town. Officers raided this address
in October 2019, discovering 91 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine along with three knives believed to be for
protection and more than £330 in cash. Pereira was arrested after attempting to evade officers by jumping
out of a window of a flat. When he was detained £1,742 in cash was in his possession. Officers stopped a taxi
in Wilmslow with Conteh inside, he was arrested and passed two packages containing 249 wraps of heroin
and crack cocaine which had concealed inside him. While in custody both Hassan and Ahmed repeatedly
attempted to get in contact with Conteh. Not long after Ahmed was arrested at his Liverpool home where
officers discovered £19,470 in cash in his wardrobe along with a Norwegian passport and Dior training shoes
worth around £850. Two months later, Hassan handed himself in to a police station after a wanted appeal
was issued by Cheshire Constabulary. They were all sentenced to the following:

       Jamal Conteh – 12 years
       Ammin Hassan – 7 years 6 months
       Zakaira Ahmed – 7 years 6 months
       Oluwafemi Odumuyiwa – 44 months
       Cheryl Hammand – 31 months reduced to 20 months following appeal
       Edson Pereira – 20 months

DC Luke Browczuk, of Macclesfield County Lines BIT Team, said: “This was a particularly complex case and
after a 12 month operation, it is great to see the sentence handed down by the courts. The arrests occurred in
the wake of coronavirus but we were determined to bring the gang to justice by cutting off the supply and
removing dealers from the streets, putting an end to the misery that they had brought to Macclesfield. I hope
that the sentence provides reassurance to the communities of Macclesfield that this gang is now off the
streets and we will continue to do all we can to make the area a safer place to live and visit.” DI Adam
Alexander said: "I would like to echo the comments made by DC Browczuk and thank him and the team for all
their hard work on this lengthy case. By bringing this gang to justice, I hope that this acts as a deterrent to
those who think they can get away with bringing organised crime into Cheshire. We will not stop pursuing

those who come into the county to commit crime and will continue to do all we can to make Cheshire a
hostile environment for criminals."

Woman found guilty of murdering husband in Neston
A woman who poured boiling water over her husband while he slept has been
convicted of his murder. Corinna Smith, of Highfield Road in Neston, mixed the liquid
with three bags of sugar leaving Michael Baines with 36 per cent burns to his body.
The 80-year-old was taken to Whiston Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday 14 July
2020 in a serious condition. He received treatment for his injuries but, despite the
best efforts of medical staff, he died a month later – on Tuesday 18 August. The day
before the attack took place, Smith, aged 59, was described as angry and very upset
at a rumour circulating about her husband that she believed to be true. On the day of the incident she
returned home and filled a bucket from her garden with boiling water and mixed it with 3kg of sugar. As
Michael lay asleep in bed she poured the contents over his arms and torso and then left the property. She
went to a nearby house and banged on the front door until the occupant answered. He contacted police and
ambulance after hearing her say ‘I’ve hurt him really bad, I think I’ve killed him’. A short time later officers
arrived at the address. They found Michael in excruciating pain and whimpering in bed with the skin on his
right arm and hand peeling off. Michael was taken to hospital and remained in the burns unit for two weeks
in a stable condition before he deteriorated and passed away. Following the incident Smith was initially
charged with grievous bodily harm – shortly after the death of her husband she was charged with murder.
Today, Tuesday 15 June, a jury found her guilty of murder following a five-day trial at Chester Crown Court.
She will be sentenced on Friday 9 July. DCI Paul Hughes, from Cheshire Constabulary’s Major Crime
Directorate, said: “Smith killed her husband Michael in such a painful and cruel way. To throw boiling water
over someone when they are asleep is absolutely horrific. To also mix three bags of sugar with the water
showed the determination she had to cause serious harm. The sugar placed into the water makes it vicious. It
becomes thicker and stickier and sinks into the skin better. It left Michael in agony and rather than call the
emergency services she wasted time by going to a house nine doors away to tell a neighbour, who she wasn’t
close to, what she had done. Michael was an elderly man who fought for his life after the attack but sadly in
the end he passed away. My thoughts continue to be with his family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Northwich man handed Criminal Behaviour Order following shoplifting and public
order offences
A 36-year-old man from Northwich had been banned from every Co-Op, Sainsbury's or
Booths stores in Knutsford after being handed a Criminal Behaviour Order. Sam Taggart
from Chapel Street, Northwich appeared at Stockport Magistrates on 4 June following a
number of shoplifting and public order incidents in Knutsford between December 2018
to April 2021. He was given a criminal behaviour order for two years preventing him
from entering any Co-Op, Sainsbury's or Booths stores in Knutsford and banning him
from entering King Street or Princess Street in Knutsford. Taggart was also ordered not to wear any headgear
or head covering apart from a COVID-19 face mask when entering a supermarket or convenience store. PC
Neil Cooke said: “Taggart was having a significant impact in Knutsford since March 2020. His repeated
shoplifting and anti-social behaviour was affecting business and residents alike and his behaviour was
making life a misery for those who were subject to his illegal activities. The local beat team listened to local

businesses and residents, and began collating evidence which would bring the CBO application before the
court to help curb his behaviour. This result is an important step in getting Taggart to change his behaviour
and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour on our streets. If Taggart breaches his order he will be back
before the courts and could face time behind bars. If you see him breaching his order, please contact police
on 101.”

Robber jailed after twice targeting Warrington store he was banned from
A man from Warrington who committed a robbery and other theft related offences
at a shop he was prohibited from entering has been jailed. James Telfer, of
Northway in Orford, had previously committed theft and assault offences at the
discount food retailer in School Brow in Warrington town centre, in 2020. As such,
the 37-year-old was banned from entering the shop. Yet he targeted the store again
twice in eight days in 2021. The incidents occurred shortly after 7.30pm on Tuesday
13 April and at around 4.30pm on Wednesday 21 April. The first saw Telfer pull out
a Stanley knife and threaten to stab a man working at the shop. He later lunged at the man whilst he had the
knife in his hand, though Telfer did not connect with the victim. The victim had suspected Telfer of
shoplifting and had confronted him inside the store. He did so again in the second incident on Wednesday 21
April, though on that occasion he confronted him outside the shop after Telfer had stolen meat. The victim
was initially unaware that the shoplifter was the same man who had threatened him at knifepoint the
previous week. When they both realised who each other were, Telfer took something out of his pocket and
told the victim: “This time I will stab you.” The victim soon realised that Telfer was merely holding a twig.
Telfer subsequently hit the victim in the head three times, causing minor injuries, before fleeing with stolen
meat. The police were called and officers, aided by town centre CCTV operators, located and arrested Telfer
within minutes in nearby Brick Street. He was taken to Warrington General Hospital before going to custody.
Whilst at the hospital he was arrested for a public order offence after throwing a cup of coffee on the floor
and continually shouting and swearing in front of medical staff and members of the public. When questioned
in custody, Telfer denied committing the offences at the town centre shop. However, the incidents were
captured on CCTV. Telfer was charged with several offences. He pleaded guilty to robbery in connection with
the incident that occurred on Tuesday 13 April and theft, assault and a public order offence in relating to his
actions on Wednesday 21 April. Telfer was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment at Liverpool Crown Court
on Monday 14 June. DC Darren Burns, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “James Telfer continued to
target the frozen food shop even when he was prohibited from going there under the terms of his licence
after being released from prison just weeks before he committed the latest offences. His offending there
escalated to a robbery in which he threatened a shop worker at knifepoint. Just eight days later, Telfer
committed further offences there, including assaulted the same victim. The ordeals the victim was subjected
to understandably left him extremely shaken up. The second incident also left him with minor facial injuries. I
hope the fact that Telfer has been convicted of these offences and is now behind bars facing the
consequences of his action, gives the victim some closure and enables him to move forward with his life. I
also hope the sentence that Telfer has been handed by Liverpool Crown Court deters others from committing
similar offences.” CI Sarah Heath, Cheshire Constabulary’s knife crime lead, added: “We are committed to
doing everything we can to tackle knife crime. As this case shows, we will respond robustly to any knife
related incidents and do all we can to ensure that anyone found to be carrying a knife or committing a knife
related offence is brought to justice. Members of the public have a vital role to play in our fight against knife
crime by giving us information about crimes involving knives and those who carry weapons. To report any
type of crime involving weapons, call us on 101, or 999 in an emergency.” Information can also be given to

Cheshire Constabulary online via the Cheshire Police website. Anyone who knows someone that carries a
knife can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.

Two men arrested for drugs offences following successful vehicle stop check
Officers from Cheshire Police have arrested two men for drugs offences following a stop check on the M56.
At around 11pm on Monday 14 June officers from the Roads Policing Unit, supported by the police
helicopter, stopped a silver BMW 116 on the M56 westbound carriageway near to junction 11. A quantity of
what are believed to be cannabis and crack cocaine were found within the vehicle. The occupants of the car,
a 21-year-old man from Whitefield and a 30-year-old man from Prestwich, were both arrested at the scene
on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs. The driver of the car, the 30-year-old
man, was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving and driving without insurance. Both men are currently
being held in police custody where they are being questioned by officers.

Man jailed after being six times over the drink drive limit
A man who was stopped on the motorway in Cheshire and found to be six times over the drink drive limit
has been jailed. Vladimir Bekes, of Welsh Road, Childer Thornton in Ellesmere Port, was stopped by Police
Constable George Aza, from Cheshire Constabulary’s Roads and Crime Unit, in the early hours of Friday 4
June. The officer was actively looking for the 37-year-old in Ellesmere Port after members of the public came
forward with information. Bekes had been travelling on the M56 near Ellesmere Port and had collided with a
lamp post near the A540. A member of the public flagged PC Aza down and pointed to the Ford Mondeo
stationary at traffic lights on Ledsham Road. The officer approached the vehicle as Bekes drove on to Welsh
Road and brought him to a stop. Bekes was described as being ‘unsteady on his feet’ and had to be escorted
when he got out of his car. The officer conducted a breath test and he blew 216. He was then taken into
custody and subsequently charged. Bekes attended Chester Magistrates Court on Monday 7 June and was
sentenced to 19 weeks in prison for offences including driving while disqualified, failing to provide a
specimen for analysis and failing to comply with supervision requirements. PC George Aza, from Cheshire
Constabulary’s Roads and Crime Unit, said: “Bekes’ breath test is possibly one of the highest readings we
have ever recorded in Cheshire. I was in shock when he blew a staggering 216 at the road side. Had the
member of the public not reported him to police the potential consequences of his actions could have been
horrendous. I want to personally thank them for making me aware of Bekes as it enabled me to bring his
driving to a stop and led to a dangerous driver being taken off Cheshire’s roads.”

Latest Cheshire Appeals

Detectives investigating a serious assault in Runcorn are appealing for information
Detectives investigating a serious assault in Runcorn are appealing for information from members of the
public. Shortly before 8pm on Friday 18 June two men have arrived at an address on Fernhurst and assaulted
a 60-year-old man inside the property. The victim was taken to Warrington District General Hospital with
facial injuries. An investigation is underway and police are asking the public to assist by coming forward with
information. DS Rob McLoughlin, from Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “This was a serious assault which

left a 60-year-old man with a number of injuries to his face. We believe two men arrived at the property and
the assault has taken place inside and then the men have left the scene. We have been in the local area
following numerous enquiries to establish the full circumstances. To assist with our investigation I am
appealing to the public to get in touch if they think they saw these men in the run up to or after the assault.
I also want to hear from anyone who may have CCTV footage or any other information that could help the
investigation.” A 37-year-old man was arrested in Liverpool on suspicion of section 18 assault and after being
questioned by police has since been released on conditional bail. If you have information please contact
Cheshire Constabulary on 101 and quote IML 1016660. Information can also be provided anonymously by
calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Appeal for information after man found injured in Macclesfield
Detectives are appealing for information after a man sustained injuries in Macclesfield. Shortly after 4am on
11 June a 41-year-old man was found with injuries at the junction of Buxton Road and York Road near to
Victoria Park. He was taken to hospital. His next of kin have been made aware. Police are trying to establish
how the man became injured and want to speak to anyone who may have information. DC George Vlastos
said: “We understand that this incident may cause come concern but I would like to reassure people that we
are doing everything we can to get to the bottom of what happened. The man also had two black bags which
are unaccounted for and we’re keen to find out what happened to this. We are appealing to anyone who
was in the Victoria Park area at around 10pm Thursday 10 June and 5am Friday 11 June who may have seen
the man or something that did not look quite right. The same goes to anyone who may have dashcam
footage from driving past the area.” Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting
IML 1012013 or report it via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report
Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or
report via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Appeal for information following two burglaries at business premises in Runcorn
Detectives are appealing for information following two burglaries at business premises in Runcorn. The first
incident occurred at around 2.20am on Monday 14 June three unknown offenders gained entry into
Espositos on Highlands Road. The offenders made an untidy search and left the scene on moped. Then, at
around 1.30am on Wednesday 16 June two men forced entry into Perky Grinders on Jack Search Way. Once
again the offenders made an untidy search and left the scene on moped. They also stole a quantity of cash.
Enquiries in relation to the incidents are ongoing and officers are now appealing for anyone with any
information that could help with their investigation to come forward. DS Rob McLoughlin of the Runcorn
Beat Initiative Team said: “Several enquiries are currently underway in relation to these incidents including
reviewing CCTV footage. At the current time we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents
are linked. I would make a plea that anyone who may have seen something that didn’t look right to get in
touch. The same goes for anyone who may know who committed the offences or may have captured CCTV or
dashcam of the mopeds or offenders and has not yet passed this onto police. Any information no matter how
big or small is greatly received.”
Anyone with information can report it to Cheshire Constabulary by calling 101 quoting IML 1012809 or
report it via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report
Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or report it
via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Detectives appeal for information following burglary at garage in Runcorn
Detectives investigating a burglary at a detached garage in Runcorn are appealing for information. At
sometime between 3am and 6am on Monday 14 June, unknown offenders are believed to have gained entry
to a garage on Weston Road. During the incident three items were stolen - a Red Ducati 1299 Pangale
motorbike, a black Scott Ransom Enduro mountain bike and a red Shark helmet. Officers are now appealing
for anyone with information as to who is responsible to get in touch. DS Rob McLoughlin of the Runcorn
Beat Initiative Team said: “The items taken during this burglary are very recognisable and I would urge
anyone who sees these items either for sale or knows where they are to contact the police. We have a
number of enquiries underway and as part of these, I am asking anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam
footage from around the Weston Road area at the time of the incident to get in touch. Alternatively, if you
know who is responsible for committing this burglary, please let us know, either by calling 101 or reporting it
to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Anyone with information can report it to Cheshire Constabulary by calling 101 quoting IML 1012799 or
report it via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report
Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or report it
via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

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